Things To Do In And Around Melbourne: Your Field Guide To Hikes,
Melbourne is famous for its laneway coffee and arts scene, but just beyond the tram lines lies a rugged, wild playground that most travelers completely miss. It’s a world where the city’s hum is replaced by the call of a kookaburra and skyscrapers give way to ancient, towering Mountain Ash forests.
Imagine swapping that city bustle for the raw beauty of the Victorian wilderness. Picture yourself breathing in crisp, salty air on a clifftop trail, navigating a lush fern gully, or setting up camp under a brilliant canopy of stars. This is the other side of Melbourne—the adventurous side.
This guide unlocks that world for you. We’re not just listing spots; we’re giving you a practical, safety-first blueprint. You’ll learn where to find epic hikes, secluded campsites, and stunning coastal drives, and more importantly, how to tackle them confidently and sustainably.
So, grab your daypack and your sense of adventure. Let’s explore the incredible outdoor things to do in and around melbourne that are waiting just for you.
Before You Go: Essential Planning for Melbourne’s Outdoors
Success in the Victorian bush starts long before you hit the trailhead. The state is notorious for its “four seasons in one day” weather, and being unprepared is one of the most common problems with things to do in and around melbourne. A sunny morning can turn into a cold, wet afternoon in a flash.
Before any trip, your first stop should be the Parks Victoria website. Check for any park closures, fire bans, or trail condition alerts. This is non-negotiable, especially during the summer bushfire season or after heavy rains.
Here is a quick checklist to run through before you leave:
- Tell Someone Your Plan: Always let a reliable friend or family member know where you’re going, your planned route, and when you expect to be back.
- Pack for All Weather: Even on a clear day, pack a waterproof and windproof jacket. A trusted shell like the Arc’teryx Beta AR or a more budget-friendly option like the Marmot PreCip Eco is perfect. Layering is key—think a merino wool base layer, a fleece mid-layer, and your outer shell.
- Water and Food: Carry more water than you think you’ll need, at least 2-3 liters for a full-day hike. Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and a simple lunch. Many trailheads have no facilities.
- Navigation: Don’t rely solely on your phone’s GPS. Carry a physical map and a compass, and know how to use them. For digital backup, download offline maps using an app like AllTrails or Gaia GPS.
Gear You Can’t Forget
Beyond the basics, a few key items will make your adventure safer and more comfortable. A quality headlamp, like the Petzl Actik Core, is essential in case you’re caught out after dark. A small first-aid kit with blister treatment, antiseptic wipes, and bandages is a must.
Finally, wear sturdy, broken-in footwear. For most of the trails mentioned here, a good pair of hiking shoes or boots like the Merrell Moab 3 or Salomon X Ultra 4 will provide the grip and support you need.
Epic Day Hikes Within a 90-Minute Drive
You don’t need to travel far to find world-class hiking. The benefits of exploring these nearby parks are immense—they offer a quick escape, a physical challenge, and a powerful mental reset. Here are a few of our favorites.
The Dandenong Ranges: For Lush Fern Gullies
Just an hour east of the city, the Dandenongs feel like another world. The air is cooler, the trees are taller, and the landscape is dominated by giant Mountain Ash trees and dense fern gullies.
The famous 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk is a popular but challenging option that tests your fitness. For something more serene, explore the network of trails through Sherbrooke Forest, where you might be lucky enough to spot a lyrebird scratching in the undergrowth.
You Yangs Regional Park: For Granite Peaks and Big Views
Rising dramatically from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne and Geelong, the You Yangs offer a different kind of scenery. The park’s granite peaks provide panoramic views that stretch all the way to the city skyline on a clear day.
The Flinders Peak Walk is a steep but rewarding 3.2km return trip to the highest point in the park. It’s a fantastic spot for sunrise or sunset. For a longer, more moderate hike, the 4.5km East-West Walk circumnavigates the peak, offering constantly changing perspectives.
Werribee Gorge State Park: For a Rugged Challenge
If you’re looking for a hike that feels truly wild, the Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk is it. This 10km loop involves some rock scrambling and steep sections, but it rewards you with stunning gorge views and unique geology.
This is a trail where you need to be sure-footed and prepared. Follow the orange arrows carefully, and be ready to use your hands to steady yourself on the cable-assisted rock-hopping section along the river. It’s a genuine adventure close to home.
Coastal Escapes: Clifftops, Beaches, and Marine Sanctuaries
Victoria’s coastline is a masterpiece of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and powerful surf. This things to do in and around melbourne guide wouldn’t be complete without exploring the stunning seascapes just a short drive from the city.
Mornington Peninsula National Park: Bushrangers Bay & Cape Schanck
The Mornington Peninsula offers some of the most accessible and spectacular coastal walking near Melbourne. The Bushrangers Bay Trail is a 5.4km return walk that winds through coastal banksia groves before opening up to a magnificent, secluded beach framed by basalt cliffs.
From the same area, you can explore the Cape Schanck Lighthouse precinct and walk a portion of the boardwalk, descending towards the wild rock platforms below. Keep an eye out for migrating whales during the winter months.
Point Addis & The Great Ocean Road’s Start
While the full Great Ocean Road is a multi-day trip, its starting point near Torquay is an easy day trip. The Ironbark Basin Walk near Point Addis is a fantastic loop that takes you from scrubby heathland down to the iconic Bells Beach.
This area is part of the Point Addis Marine National Park, a critical habitat for marine life. Exploring the rock pools at low tide is one of the best eco-friendly things to do in and around melbourne, but remember to tread lightly and leave everything as you found it.
Overnight Adventures: The Best Things to Do In and Around Melbourne for Campers & Vanlifers
For those with a tent, campervan, or RV, the possibilities expand dramatically. An overnight trip allows you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature. Here’s how to plan an unforgettable camping adventure.
Wilsons Promontory National Park: The Crown Jewel
“The Prom,” as it’s affectionately known, is arguably Victoria’s most beloved national park. With its granite mountains, lush forests, and picture-perfect white sand beaches, it’s a paradise for outdoor lovers.
The main campground at Tidal River is a fantastic base, but you must book campsites well in advance, especially during peak season. From here, you can tackle hikes like the trek to Squeaky Beach or the more challenging climb up Mount Oberon for an unforgettable sunset view.
The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park: A Bit Further, But Worth It
A three-hour drive west of Melbourne, the Grampians (Gariwerd) is a majestic landscape of sandstone mountain ranges, rich Aboriginal culture, and stunning waterfalls. It’s a must-do for any serious hiker or camper.
Base yourself in or around Halls Gap to access iconic sites like Mackenzie Falls, The Pinnacle lookout, and Boroka Lookout. The park has numerous campgrounds, from the well-equipped to the more remote. Always check the Parks Victoria website for the latest access information.
Lerderderg State Park: For a Wild, Off-Grid Feel
If you’re looking for a more rugged and self-sufficient experience, Lerderderg is your place. Located just over an hour from the city, it offers free, basic bush camping and a network of challenging 4WD tracks and hiking trails.
This is not a place for beginners to camp solo. You need to be completely self-contained with your own water, supplies, and recovery gear if you’re driving the tracks. But for the experienced adventurer, it offers a true sense of solitude.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Adventures: Leave No Trace
As outdoor enthusiasts, we have a responsibility to protect the wild places we love. Following a clear set of things to do in and around melbourne best practices ensures these environments remain pristine for generations to come. The core of this is the Leave No Trace philosophy.
Here’s how to apply its principles:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know the regulations of the area you’re visiting. Travel in small groups.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to existing trails and campsites. Avoid creating new ones.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack it in, pack it out. This includes food scraps like orange peels and apple cores.
- Leave What You Find: Let rocks, plants, and other natural objects remain as you find them.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use a lightweight camp stove for cooking. If you must have a fire, use designated fire pits and ensure it is completely extinguished before you leave.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance. Never feed them.
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Keep noise to a minimum and respect the experience of others.
One crucial, region-specific tip is to clean your gear. A pathogen called Cinnamon Fungus is devastating local flora. Brushing mud and dirt off your hiking boots and washing your gear between trips helps prevent its spread. This is a key part of any good things to do in and around melbourne care guide for the environment.
Common Problems to Avoid When Exploring Melbourne’s Outdoors
Even the best-laid plans can go awry. Anticipating common issues can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious situation. Here are a few challenges specific to the Victorian bush.
Underestimating the Weather
We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating. A sunny forecast in the city does not guarantee the same in the mountains or on the coast. Hypothermia is a real risk, even in summer. Always pack your layers and rain gear.
Forgetting Water and Supplies
Never assume there will be potable water at a trailhead or campsite. Many regional parks are simple and rustic, with no facilities. You must be self-sufficient. Carry a water filter or purification tablets, like the Sawyer Squeeze or Aquatabs, for emergencies.
Dealing with Wildlife (Safely)
Victoria is home to various snakes, most of which are venomous. In warm weather, they may be sunning themselves on or near trails. They will generally avoid you if given the chance. Wear sturdy boots and gaiters in scrubby areas, make noise as you walk, and if you see one, stop and back away slowly.
Leeches are common in damp, ferny areas like the Dandenongs. They are harmless but unpleasant. Tuck your pants into your socks and check yourself after your hike. An antiseptic wipe will clean the small wound they leave behind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do In and Around Melbourne
When is the best time of year to hike near Melbourne?
Autumn (March to May) is often considered the best. The weather is stable and mild, the summer crowds have thinned, and the foliage is beautiful. Spring (September to November) is also fantastic, with wildflowers in bloom, though the weather can be more unpredictable.
Do I need a special vehicle to access these places?
For most of the locations mentioned—like the Dandenongs, You Yangs, and Mornington Peninsula—a standard 2WD vehicle is perfectly fine. For more remote areas like parts of Lerderderg State Park or accessing specific trailheads in the Grampians, a high-clearance 4WD can be beneficial or even necessary. Always check park road conditions before you go.
Are there any dangerous animals I should be aware of?
The primary concern is snakes. As mentioned, be aware, make noise, and give them space. Kangaroos and wallabies are common and generally timid but can be unpredictable, especially if they have young. Never approach or feed them. In summer, be mindful of mosquitos and march flies.
Can I have a campfire?
This depends entirely on the location and the time of year. During the official Fire Danger Period (typically November to April), Total Fire Bans are common, and no fires are permitted. In designated campgrounds with fire pits, you can often have a fire outside of the ban period, but you must bring your own firewood. Never collect wood from the surrounding bush.
Exploring the outdoors around Melbourne is about building confidence, learning new skills, and connecting with the incredible natural beauty on the city’s doorstep. Start with a simple day hike, prepare well, and let your curiosity guide you.
The trails are waiting. Stay safe, leave no trace, and enjoy the adventure!
- Things To Do In Toledo Washington: Your Basecamp For Mount St. Helens - November 28, 2025
- Couple Things To Do In St. Louis: Your Outdoor Adventurer’S Guide - November 28, 2025
- Fun Things To Do In St. Louis – The Outdoor Adventurer’S Guide - November 28, 2025